ET2: Through The Storm

Chapter 43

Crystal Dwight's POV

I woke up and got welcome by the harmonious sound of birds in a fine morning. Magaan na rin ang pakiramdam ko, wala na 'yung pagod na pumabagsak ng maaga sa katawan ko kagabi.

After a long moment, I reached for my phone to see if I had any news from Ryle but nothing showed up on my screen. He was in complete silence since we got back from the North. Okay lang pa naman siya noong nasa sasakyan kami, ah. Did something bad happen to him? Ngunit ano naman ang mangyayari sa kaniya? He's a grown man. Besides, the bus dropped him off out of their house. That's for sure.

I can't help but worry about him. He did not send me any message.

Wait, why am I making this a big deal? Maybe he was that tired and fell asleep as soon as he got home.

Instead of letting my thoughts go overboard, I composed a message to him and set aside my phone.

"I'm up. How 'bout you?"

I went to work as usual. I took a deep breath before coming into the company. It may be tough again yet I am sure that I'll get through it.

When I sat down at my assigned place, Jessi and Joy instantly went to my table and shot me with their endless inquiries.

"Dwight? Why Madeline went to DMT Awards?" Joy asked forthwithly.

"I thought she was not joining?" Jessi followed, full of curiosity.

"Aren't you surprised? She got the award. We should be happy for her," I replied casually, putting my bag behind my back.

"Dwight, hindi sa pinakikialaman ko ang gamit mo pero one time kasi nakita ko 'yung exact video na napanalunan ni Madeline sa laptop mo." Jessi's words made my heart skipped a beat.

"Ah? 'Yun ba?" I caressed my hair and smiled. "Wala 'yun? They told me to watch so I can give them ideas on how to improve it."

The two didn't ask more, instead they diverted their focus on our work. I pull myself together not to be distracted during my working hours. I felt uneasy inside yet I convinced myself to stay calm. I don't want to let my personal matters affect my work.

"Mukhang pasan na naman natin ang lahat ng problema ng mundo?" Rover voice came from behind. He put a glass of milk tea in front of me and took the seat opposite of mine. "I bought you one. To cheer you up."

During our break time, I usually go to the mini garden behind the company to relax a bit. As long as I could see those green leaves of the plants and blooming flowers, I instantly felt free and comfortable.

"Thank you kuya, ah?" I said as I grabbed the milk tea into my hand.

"Your friend Zyah and Dale are now the talk of the town. They both posted photos of them in front of the Eiffel Tower," he began.

I saw that photo he mentioned just now. Dale posted a photo of the Eiffel Tower and he wrote "exploring the city with my wife" as his caption. Meanwhile, Zyah posted a silhouette photo of her and Dale where the tower can be seen in the background. Her husband's hand was draped around her waist. Zyah was wearing a flower headdress as her hair was blown by the wind. Her hands were on husband's nape. "Her caption was "going back but this time ain't alone."

Even with just a photo, you can tell how in love they are with each other.

"I already saw that, of course," I replied right after taking a sip of my tea.

"Alright. Alright. Then why are you here this awful?" he asked with a bit of a chuckle.

"Kuya, can't you find another word than that?" I looked at him. "It's. . ." I hesitated and looked away. "It's awful," I continued, trying to suppress my smile.